My Wedding Report

The week before I took my engagement pictures I all the sudden started worrying about my make-up. On a daily basis my make-up is pretty natural and I wasn’t sure what to do knowing that I was going to be taking pictures. I didn’t want to look washed out, shiny or so made-up that it wasn’t me. Hiring someone to do it for me was out of budget and I didn’t want to take my chances at a random make-up counter at the mall.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been loving WeddingbeePRO and all the vendor tips and insights. Laura Nadeau has been one of my favorites as I’ve been slowly accumulating a product wishlist from all of her incredible posts. Well since Laura is in New York and I’m in California it wasn’t exactly a possibility to have her do my make-up or visit her studio. So instead I left a comment on one of her posts asking for any tips and she replied with an email asking for a picture, what I wear daily and the look I wanted to get. I was thrilled when she sent her email and immediately sent her a breakdown of all the information. Check out her post here to see what my email said.

A few days later I opened my inbox and found an email from Lo, also posted on her blog telling me step by step what to buy, what to do and some general tips.

Miss Duckling,

You are a beautiful woman and I think that with a few changes in your makeup routine we can easily make you even more photogenic! If you think of your makeup like your wardrobe, then I would say you have all of the classics. Now, we just fine tune with the proper accessories and I’ll show you how to dress up your look!

1. I love tinted moisturizer, but it disappears quickly. I recommend buying the Laura Mercier oil-free foundation (unless you have dry skin) which will give you light coverage and will last longer. It can be more economical as well, because you have the option to simply mix it with an inexpensive face moisturizer. Voila, you have made your own tinted moisturizer and have the option for more coverage if you like. Always, set with a loose powder, (I love Laura Mercier’s translucent loose powder) this will add longevity, fight shine and create an even canvas for blush and bronzer.
2. Please no shimmer under your cheekbone. It is a highlight and works best on your cheekbone. Please watch my shimmer video! Bronzer can be used on and under your cheekbones for contour and warmth then add a “pop” color of blush on the apples of your cheeks.
3. Peachykeen blush is a great blush that you can apply on and under your cheekbones, but I suggest that you also add a bright “pop” color on your apples. A peachy pink blush (Bobbi Brown Nectar) would be perfect for you. Don’t do a pop color if you blush easily or turn red due to rosacea.
4. I prefer crème shimmers better than powder for the cheek. I use Nars Multiple Stick in Orgasm on everyone.
5. Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown make great creamy under eye concealers. I apply this after eye makeup to avoid having to clean up shadow that has fallen.
6. M.A.C. Fluidline liner and Shroom shadow are great for you. I would add M.A.C. Nehru to your “wardrobe”. I can tell that you like to wear blue and this is a great contrast to your blue eyes. You can wet Nehru and use it as eyeliner and then smudge it up for a smoky look. To “dress up” your look just do a slightly thicker line and you can use a M.A.C. eye shadow like Print, Shale, or Sumptuous Olive to smudge into the liner for a smoky look. You don’t have to do a full out smoky eye – that can be difficult. Just smoke up the liner and blend, blend, blend into your shadow! The bottom line should never be darker or more prominent than the eyeliner on top of your lid. The focus should be drawn to the top of your eye, not the bottom.
7. Use waterproof mascara. M.A.C.’s is good and I also really like Maybelline Define-a-Lash in black.
8. M.A.C. lipstick in Twig could be a great neutral color for you and you can top with a little bit of sheer gloss in the center of your lip for a little moisture. I recommend this for outside photos as wind blows hair into gloss.
9. To avoid the eye shadow creasing I recommend eye shadow primers (which you are already using) and then apply a neutral shadow color on top of it to set it. Shroom is good, but it is also great to have something without shimmer. For more longevity use a matte shadow first then add shimmer shadow like the shimmer brick as a final touch on top. Shimmer bricks are very light and sheer and won’t last as long as other shadows.
10. Makeup does fade with time, but the best way to slow the process is to build a look using light layers. Whether on your eyes, face or lips remember the following steps: prime, add neutral color, add desired color, and add shimmer if desired.

Makeup for the camera:

1. Apply more coverage for your skin, especially under your eyes and any pink or uneven areas. Carry a powder compact and powder your t-zone as you get shiny.
2. Apply heavier blush which will add dimension and much needed color when shooting with a flash
3. Apply thicker eyeliner. Leave it as a clean line or smudge the line out for a smoky look.
4. Fill in eyebrows to accentuate the shape.

Good luck and let me know how it goes!!

xoxo,
Lo

Here is a picture that I took with all the make-up options on the counter. I didn’t actually use all those products, but I wanted to be prepared. To you see my computer in the background? I had Lo’s email up the whole time!

Isn’t she amazing?? I was so thankful for all of her help. I went to the mall and bought the products. My new favorites are the Multiple Stick in Orgasm from NARS and the Laura Mercier concealer. I bought a Undercover Pot Trio that comes with a spot concealer, under the eye and translucent powder. Since I was in the need of all three it was a great deal.

Source

Source

If you get a chance read her tips and watch her video on shimmer. I thought it was really helpful.

For the actual follow through of all her tips, it went really well. I probably could have done a little darker with smoking my eye, but I was more conservative than necessary. Next time I think I’ll be more brave and liberal with the application. However, I was really pleased with how the foundation, blush etc. worked with not looking washed out or shiny. The only downside was that there was a fair amount of time between the time I did my make-up and we actually did the pictures due to driving to LA and some other complications. I was glad (as was Mr. Ducky who doesn’t like a lot of make-up) that I still looked like myself, just enhanced so I could be me on camera.

Unfortunately I took some pictures myself but they just did not turn out well (blurry) and you can’t even see the make-up. I’m super bummed because I took some close up but I don’t think I was steady enough taking the picture. Here is what I have but keep in mind that it looked better than these pictures, and I actually added more shadow later.  I’ll be better next time, promise!

But be on the look out for my engagement pictures recap soon!!!

Attention all San Diego Hive Members and anyone else who is willing to drive! Miss Joey is going to be in town for the weekend, so we are doing a meet up in San Diego!! Miss Joey and I will both be there along with some of our fabulous hive members.

I took this picture from their website…isn’t it making you hungry?

We will be meeting on Friday, April 17th at 8:00pm at Extraordinary Desserts in Balboa Park. If you haven’t been there they have some absolutely incredible desserts. Just look at this picture!!

Extraordinary Desserts
2929 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

If you are planning on coming or thinking about it, make sure to comment below and RSVP on our evite!

Evite URL: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/SIRHAUWYTZZDPVCYOWIE/weddingbeeSD (You may have to register on evite if you have never used it before)

We can’t wait to see you! And after my Honeymoon in San Diego post, I know there are plenty of SD hive members in the area!! Everyone is welcome to come whether or not you are married, bride-to-be, a groom, waiting to be engaged, just like weddings or want a fun night out!

I grew up in San Diego and absolutely love it. Even though I am currently living in Orange County, I am hoping that one day we will be able to return to San Diego. To be honest there are so many thoughts that come to mind for honeymoon in my hometown, it has taken me awhile to put everything together. San Diego is beautiful all year, so you can come and enjoy at any point. Obviously for those that love the beach, summer is the best for that. If you are planning on coming here for your honeymoon you could either play tourist and see all the sights or choose to cozy up in romantic restaurants, spas and relaxing scenery. San Diego is very big so I think I’m going to divide it up by general areas and things to do.

Downtown San Diego(also includes the Gaslamp district)

Source

In downtown San Diego, not far from the airport there is tons to do. The Gaslamp is the main part of downtown where everything is in walking distance but there are also other great finds nearby. Friday and Saturday nights are packed with people going out to dance, hang out at bars at eat at some of San Diego’s best restaurants.

Where to Stay (There are lots of options. I’ve listed a few that I have visited or heard good things about):
Hard Rock Hotel
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Ivy Hotel
The Sofia Hotel
The Keating

source

Places to Eat:
This list could seriously be endless so I will list some of my favorites, but I recommend you research ahead of time so you find that perfect place.
Island Prime/C-Level: An incredible view of downtown San Diego. You can either sit in the beautiful outdoor seating of the bar or the more formal indoor restaurant.
Aqua Al 2: I have a serious weakness for Italian food and pasta. This restaurant is only here and in Florence, Italy.
Blue Pointe Cafe: I’ve had many special dinners at this restaurant and always walk out stuffed. This place and Island Prime/C-Level are all a part of Cohn Restaurants. They are all San Diego based restaurants that have excellent food.
Little Italy: This is literally a street that is all Italian food restaurants and stops. Basically it is heaven as I am a serious pasta lover. There is everything from super casual to fancy. I say just go walk the street and pick what looks good.

Things to Do:
Petco Park: Well I’m not sure how our baseball team will be this year, but the park they play in is awesome! It’s located right in downtown by the Gaslamp so you can go to the game and walk to the bars and restaurants after.
Old Town San Diego: A fun place to walk around and see more of the historic San Diego. Make sure you stop at one of the delicous Mexican food restaurants.
Mission Bay: Another popular spot during the summers for picnics, volleyball and jet skiiing. If you are a walker, runner or biker there is a great sidewalk that circles the whole bay. Get there early though to reserve your space because it gets crowded.
Balboa Park: I love spending time in Balboa Park. There are tons of museums, gardens and performances to see. The architecture are surroundings are beautiful. If you explore the museums and parks all day, try to see a show at Starlight Theatre at night. It’s an outdoor theatre that usually has some fun musical during the summer.

Balboa Park-source

La Jolla and Del Mar

Some of the beach towns in San Diego, these areas have great places to eat, stay, shop and of course just relax on the beach. Mr. Ducky and I got engaged down on the cliffs in Del Mar! La Jolla is just south of Del Mar and I mention the two in the same category because they have a similar feel. La Jolla has a little bit more to do in it’s actual area thats walking distance, but I grew up in Del Mar.

Del Mar-source

Where to Stay:
La Valencia: A beautiful and historic hotel down in the middle of La Jolla. It’s the perfect place to stay and be in walking distance of restaurants, shopping and the beach.
L’Auberge Del Mar: Growing up in the area this was one of my favorite hotels and it was just redone a year ago. Right in the heart of Del Mar above the beach, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines: If you are a golfer you would probably love staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. The Lodge is just gorgeous and sits on Torrey Pines Golf Course.

La Valencia-source

Where to Eat:
Manhattan: This elegant restaurant is hidden away at the bottom floor of the Empress Hotel in La Jolla, but it’s one of my family’s favorite spots. The steaks and lamb chops are to die for. It’s kind of a romantic setting with live jazz on certain nights.
Jake’s Del Mar: Is a super yummy steak/seafood place and is located right on the beach in Del Mar. There is obviously a gorgeous view as you enjoy your meal.
Pacific Del Mar: Another seafood restaurant with an amazing view. It’s located in Del Mar Plaza that has lots of cute shops and several great restaurants. I mention it specifically because they make my favorite creme brulee ever!
Board and Brew: Is a block up from the beach and is the perfect spot to grab a delicious sandwich. I recommend the Chicken Club.

What to do:
Beach Beach and Beach! There are lots of beaches but the most popular in these areas are La Jolla Shores and 15th Street/Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Of course there are all the activities going along with the beach which include surfing, kayaking, body boarding and building sand castles.
Racetrack: During the later part of summer and beginning of Septemeber you can go see the horse races where the “surf meets the turf.” This is always a fun outing and something a little different. Opening day everyone wears crazy hats and then heads to Del Mar Plaza area and you never know what you will see.
Del Mar Fair (now refered to as San Diego Fair): This happens from June to usually about July 4th and is popular for the area. Keep in mind that if you are visiting during this time you will encounter traffic in this area even if you are passing through. Check out the listing of concerts, a lot of times you can see some great shows depending on the year.

Del Mar Racetrack-source


Coronado
This is a beautiful area and you just take a big bridge over from San Diego. I love all the little houses and cottages. The famous Del Coronado Hotel is year and is just a fun area to spend some time. We always went to Coronodo on the 4th of July to watch the huge fireworks display.

If you can stay at the historic Del Coronado Hotel. For another alternative you can look at Loews Coronado Bay, which is another favorite spot in the area. For eating in the area you can bring a picnic for the beach or splurge on one of the restaurants at the Del Coronado Hotel. There are several options for eating at the Del itself. All are either in a luxurious setting like the Crown Room or overlooking the beach. If you walk around the town, there are plenty of casual options as well.

Hotel Del-source

More things to do/see in San Diego:
Pacific Beach: If you are looking for more of a night scene head down to Pacific Beach. There are lots of fun bars, restaurants and a huge beach that is very crowded during the summers.
The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park: I’d probably be a terrible San Diegan if I didn’t mention these places. They really are amazing to see. The zoo has more to see, but the Wild Animal Park focuses on endangered animals in their natural habitats. Both are worth visiting, but I’ll give you the warning that the Wild Animal Park is really hot during the summers.
Wine Tasting in Temecula: There are lots of wine tasting tours you can take in Temecula. I personally love the South Coast Winery. It’s a beautiful spot with a great restaurant, spa and cute little villas you can stay in.
SeaWorld: You know what it is, so I won’t explain. I haven’t been recently but I know they’ve added lots of attractions.

Temecula Vineyard-source

Any trip to San Diego is not complete without multiple stops to eat delicious Mexican food! Here are a few different restaurants that are all delicious!

Old Town Mexican Cafe: Everything here is good and it’s a favorite spot in San Diego that has been around forever. Watch them make homemade tortillas in the window.
El Indio: One of my favorite spots downtown and it’s inexpensive! The tamales are delicious!!
Fidels: Hidden from main traffic, Fidels is a favorite spots for locals after a day at the races. It’s in a converted old house and has all sorts of charm.

Other References in Planning Your Trip:
Beach Guide: Browse this website to find a description of different San Diego beaches to plan your day.
Sign-On San Diego: A great source for reviews of restaurants and listings of current things going on in the area.

I could probably go on and on forever about different fabulous restaurants or things to do in San Diego, but I don’t want to overwhelm with any more information. If you have questions please feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to answer along with other readers who I know are from San Diego.

I recently went shopping with my two maids of honor for bridesmaid dresses. I wanted to find dresses that were cute, flattering, able to worn again, not a standard looking bridesmaid dress and most importantly affordable. My first choice was a cornflower blue dress or a gray dress if we couldn’t find the blue. Because I feel like “bridesmaid” dresses are often expensive because they are made for bridesmaids, we decided to start our search in the mall. We found a few dresses that either were the wrong shade of blue, too expensive, lots of beading or just weren’t very cute on.

Heading to store after store began to get tiring, but we finally made our way into Banana Republic. We found a gray dress that looked kind of interesting on the hanger and decided to give it a try. As soon as I saw it on both MOHs, we all loved it. The dress looked beautiful on both of them!

The dress was $150 which was within our goal of being under $200. We didn’t purchase the dresses right then and there because Banana Republic often has sales so I was going to go home and check my membership information to see if there was an upcoming sale. Sure enough I found out that this last weekend was friends and family weekend for 30% off and with my membership I got an additional 10% off, making the dresses 40% off and under $100!! Woo hoo! I went ahead and bought all the dresses this weekend and the girls are sending me checks for the amount, since they would have not been able to get the same discount. Even more good news? As I was writing this blog post, I just noticed that the dress has gone on sale even more and we’ll get a price adjustment! Yes!

Look how cute it is! Don’t you just love the back?!

Banana Republic

Here are are pictures of when they tried the dress on so that you can see how great it looks on both of them in real life. The lighting was kind of weird, so ignore the lilac undertone and poor picture quality.

Now here is my vision for the dress. Imagine hair with a gentle, soft and low hairdo or waves that just fall subtly. There is a raspberry hair flower and raspberry bouquet that just pop against the light gray material. All of the girls are just going to look gorgeous! I can’t wait to see them!

The lovely flower pictured here is from Oh My Deer! I just love her work, but am not sure if I’ll be able to splurge on one of these lovelies. Can’t you just see something like this in the hair though?

Anyone else excited about the bridesmaid dresses you found? How did you decide where to shop?

We haven’t had too much conflict over wedding planning issues. Some questions have come up, but we usually resolve them quickly and reach a happy compromise. However, there is the one thing that has continually come up and always ends in a disagreement. Part of me feels so silly for sharing this, but if anyone can relate or it helps someone then it’s worth posting.

Our great debate is over what to do for the music during the reception. I know many bees (Mrs. Bell Pepper and others) have pondered this same issue and I’ve seen it discussed on the boards. Even reading many of these discussions, we still can’t decide. Recently we’ve just put the decision off, but we are getting to the point that we really need to book the DJ now, if we go that route.

Source

Ready for the arguments? Just kidding, but I’ll breakdown the reasoning and issues we are going back and forth with.

Ipod Reception
Mr. Ducky wants to do an ipod reception because of how much money it can save and we’ll have more control over what is played. He would prefer to rent the speakers and create different playlists ahead of time. He is very good at technology and does not think it would be hard to get all the equipment ready that day and then just press play. He has a good friend from college who he wants to include in the wedding and would ask him to be the MC. Also, we probably wouldn’t just rely on an ipod, but would have a Mac there set up with all the music.

As much as I want to trust Mr. Ducky to get this all worked out, I am literally filled with anxiety when I think about the ipod. I just have flashes of something going wrong with the technology and Mr. Ducky being the one that has to step away and fix it himself. I would be so bummed to lose my groom during part of the reception to technological difficulties. I so badly want people to dance and have a good time, and while a DJ does not guarantee that, I think one could better create the environment that allows dancing to happen. I worry about having this friend MC, and would never want to feel upset with him if the reception dancing totally bombed. I’m also not sure about his friend being able to be an MC that can appeal from twenty-somethings all the way up to our grandparents.

DJ Reception
A DJ can create the mood and atmosphere with the music he/she plays. They can read the crowd and see what is working or not working. Most DJs have done hundreds of weddings and know what to do and what not to do. I’ve spoken to a few DJs on the phone and found some with high recommendations that don’t sound like they would be cheesy or awkward. I feel like I’ll be more at ease knowing that the DJ deals with all the sound equipment etc. and we don’t have to worry about a thing. With a DJ we can have a professional who is polished and experienced with all things wedding. And while I would never want to frivolously spend unnecessary money, I really feel like the extra money from our budget is worth hiring a DJ.

Mr. Ducky thinks that many wedding DJs are just too cheesy and wants to avoid that at all cost. We’ve been to several weddings where the DJ plays not great music and says strange things. He also thinks that we shouldn’t spend the money if we have the skill to do it ourselves. Mr. Ducky definitely has ideas of what he wants played at the wedding and wants the power to control that. He think that our wedding will be fun no matter what, and people will either dance or won’t dance; a DJ won’t effect that.

I know Mrs. Pomegranate and Mrs. Candy Corn both debated ipod receptions, but in the end found DJs that they loved after worrying about ipod issues. Mrs. Pineapple decided to use the “free-j” and felt really good and confident about going that route. Mrs. Tulip had an ipod reception, but there were some problems when the ipod stopped working. Mrs. Corn recently attended a wedding with an ipod and wrote a noteworthy review.

So I turn to the hive, what are your thoughts? Are you having this debate? Did anyone have an ipod reception? What is your review? What are your reasons for going with a DJ?

Any recommendations for an affordable, non-cheesy, fun DJ in San Diego?

As I relax and recover this week, I’m hoping to get some wedding stuff done in the meantime since I don’t sit still too well. The first big thing that needs to get out are our Save the Dates. I had originally hoped to have these out in the mail in January or February, however with all the medical stuff that has just not happened. We just booked our engagement session for a few weeks from now and I want to use those pictures for the Save the Dates.

To make things a little easier on the production and save money on postage we decided we should do postcards. I want to work on our graphic design with Mr. Ducky so that once we have our pictures all we have to do is drop the image in and send off for printing. Mr. Ducky is working so I will be on my own using Photoshop during the day, which will be interesting.

Here are some Save the Date postcards I’ve seen that are inspiring me as I think about what to do.

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Did anyone else do postcards? Did you use pictures from your engagement session with your save the dates?

Hello Hive!

First of all thank-you so much for the outpouring of well wishes, good thoughts and prayers from my post on Friday. It meant so much to be able to read each of your comments over the last few days. It was comforting to know that others of you have had similar medical issues and gotten through it all. And we have so many medical bees! It’s kind of fun to know that you could have almost any sort of problem in the world and we probably have someone in the hive who can be a wonderful source of information!

The surgery went well and they were able to do the whole procedure successfully through laparascopy without making a big incision. The cyst was taken out and they also discovered the beginning stages of endometriosis which they removed as well. The staff at the hospital was so friendly and I felt so comfortable and well taken care of throughout the experience.

I awoke after the surgery to Mr. Ducky and my parents who were able to take me home after not too long. Recovery has been going well so far, I’m just trying to take it easy since it is still pretty painful to move around too much. Mr. Ducky has been the best nurse and been taking excellent care of me, along with my family. Little brother duckling even came home from college to see me. So it’’s also been nice to get some quality time with everyone even if I have been on pain killers and a little loopy.

Thanks again for all the support and encouragement! I will keep you guys updated as we get more results and meet with doctors in the coming weeks. As I recover I’m sure I’ll be catching up on all the activity I’ve missed in the hive and blog world over the last few days. Anything a “must read?”

Here is a picture I saw on EAD that cheered me up and made me smile today.

Have I told you all how much I love dogs? Especially Labrador Retrievers? I’m trying to convince Mr. Ducky that after we get married we have to get a puppy before he goes on his first business trip. We aren’t sure what kind of dog since it needs to be smaller, but I’m already looking!